Governments mandate monopolies – then complain about a lack of competition

The solution to government – isn’t more government. But that’s exactly what governments proffer all the time.

They pass a government-expanding law – which warps, distorts and otherwise damages the private marketplace. They don’t offer to repeal the law – of course not. They instead pass another government-expanding law – to “fix” the mess they made with the last one. Lather, rinse, repeat.

Just wait – soon the Democrats will propose as the “solution” to the disastrous ObamaCare…all-government-all-the-time single payer.

Local governments and their public utilities charge ISPs far more (for building rights) than these things actually cost. For example, rights of way and pole attachments fees can double the cost of network construction….

These (government) incumbents – the real monopolists – also have the final say on whether an ISP can build a network. They determine what hoops an ISP must jump through to get approval.

This reduces the number of potential competitors who can profitably deploy service.… The lack of competition makes it easier for local governments and utilities to charge more for rights of way and pole attachments.

It’s a vicious circle…(A) system of forced kickbacks….(also) includ(ing) ISPs…building out service where it isn’t demanded, donating equipment, and delivering free broadband to government buildings.

Because (private providers) were able to go directly to the state capital for permission to deploy video services anywhere in the state, they were able to accelerate their rollout. Consumers saw quick results.

Amazing what happens when you can bypass all the local governments and their myriad shakedowns.

The Left’s response? More government. They want local government broadband – ObamaCare for the Internet.

Government mandates create private monopolies – government then decries the dearth of competition as justification for government broadband.

Government taxes private broadband companies – and then uses their money to fund competitors to their businesses.

And imagine these private companies trying to set up service – having to ask the permission of the governments that are competing with them.

The people wanting this nonsense are the same ones demanding Network Neutrality imposition to prevent Comcast-NBC from slowing Netflix so as to favor their video service. Which has never happened – and never will. Because their customers would freak – and fire them.

Will government block private companies to favor their service? Of course. See: Medicare. And the U.S. Postal Service. Because no matter how much we “customers” freak – we can’t fire them. Government law says so.

“The Commission will look for opportunities to enhance Internet access competition,” (FCC Chairman Thomas) Wheeler said in a statement.

“One obvious candidate for close examination was raised in Judge Silberman’s separate opinion, namely legal restrictions on the ability of cities and towns to offer broadband services to consumers in their communities.”

According to this Administration, the “solution” to government-mandated monopolies and disastrous government broadband is…more government broadband.

And if they have to unConstitutionally steamroll the states to do it – so be it.